In my long marriage, I have lived in many places.  One of the most interesting was Thibodaux, Louisiana, a small college town steeped in Cajun culture.  It fascinated me to see how the town managed to hold onto its unique history and still embrace the complexities of the ”outside world.”  I once had an enlightening conversation with a parent who said she objected to sending her daughter to a major university far from home because she would invariably marry and lose her connection to Thibodaux and all things Cajun.  That might be somewhat extreme, but it reveals how determined people are to protect their Cajun culture. I loved spinning a tale where Louisiana Bayou country was so strong that it became a character in itself in the book. 

As for the element of a wrongly incarcerated man on death row, that was simply interesting and meaningful to me in enriching what was basically a romantic suspense plot.  We often read in the media about people who are released from prison after DNA and/or other sophisticated forensic techniques have proven them innocent.  I could have used the plot of the book to play up that aspect more, but I chose instead the troubled relationship between Jack and Camille because I knew it would appeal to my readers. 

I often use a controversial issue in my books as an underlying thread when the basic relationship between hero and heroine is what the book is about.  I’ve written about spousal abuse, child pornorgraphy, our foster care system, infertility and infidelity, to name a few.  There will be a mystery element, but overall, the story is always relationship-driven.  That’s what my readers like and I’m always striving to meet their expectations.